Sinhagad : The Lion's fort

Sinhagad is probably one such location in Pune which does not requires any introduction. The two tall antenna located a top can be seen from any high rise in Pune on a clear day. Located on the Bhuleswar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, it is situated on a hill rising 1312 metres above sea level and around 35 km from Pune.

It was previously known as Kondana and has glorious history associated with it; the most famous being the Battle of Sinhagad in March 1670. Strategically located, it is well guarded by deep slopes all around. Due to this walls and bastions were constructed at only key places and it was difficult to conquer this fort those days.

Tanaji Malusare, a general of the great Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, scaled one of the steep slopes using a monitor lizard (ghorpad in local terms) engaging the mughal army headed by Udaybhan Singh Rathod a Rajput sardar in a fierce battle. Tanaji lost his life in this battle but the fort was eventually captured.

On hearing the sad news Shivaji Raje uttered : "Gad aala pan sinha gela" (We won the fort bust lost the lion). 

Getting there is probably the easiest. Follow Sinhagad Road from Swargate till you reach the Bangalore highway, head straight still and cross Nanded City and Khadakwasla dam and then follow the road till you reach the foot hill parking. You can either continue with your bike/car till the top or you can hire the local jeeps. If you reach early morning, you can infact trek till the top.

There is another road from Khed Sivapur which also leads to the fort.

This is one of the favorite destination of Punekar as far as trekking is concerned. An easy 1 hour trek and you are at the top. There are two enterance to this fort Pune Darwaza and Kalyan Darwaza. From the parking at the top, follow the paved way which leads to the Pune Darwaza. The trekking trail also ends near this gate.

Pune Darwaza

Kalyan Darwaz from distance.

Beautiful sun rise captured on the way to top

Tofkhana

There are many such beautiful water bodies inside the fort.

   

As a whole a beautiful morning walk to capture this historic location. Don't forget to try onion pakodas, butter milk and others available there.

A word of caution: Road leading to the fort at the top is narrow and in the weekend evenings it can be crowded leading to jams so be a extra vigilant if visiting on similar times. Also a humble request not to throw plastic waste when in the fort.